Caves in White County, TN

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White County encompasses 379 square miles in northeastern Tennessee, with numerous caves, gorges and waterfalls. Many caves open onto Scott’s Gulf, an 18-mile gorge carved out by the Caney Fork River. The gulf begins southeast of Sparta, the White County seat, and ends near Big Bottom Cave in neighboring Van Buren County. Areas of the gulf belong to private owners, while others fall within state land. Since 2009, state caves have been closed to the public because of white-nose syndrome, a disease that has decimated bat populations. Spelunkers who want to explore caves on private property should first obtain landowners’ permission.

Lost Creek Cave

Well-suited to beginning spelunkers, Lost Creek Cave opens from a sinkhole near a 60-foot waterfall and features another waterfall inside. The main cavern stretches to a width of 60 feet and a height of more than 80 feet. Also called White’s Cave and Dodson Cave, Lost Creek Cave houses a large bat population. Near Scott’s Gulf and the Virgin Falls State Natural Area, the cave stands on private property.

Blue Spring Cave

Previously called Bob Hill Cave, Blue Spring Cave runs for more than 33 miles, making it the longest measured cave in Tennessee. The cave features a Cathedral Room with a pool and numerous formations in various tunnels. Because of its size and difficulty, Blue Spring Cave attracts more experienced spelunkers and may be unsuitable for beginners. The cave's owner has placed gates and locks at the entrances, but allows some spelunking with permission.

Lockwood Cave and Rose Cave

Two other caves on private land along Scott’s Gulf are worth exploring. The Caney Fork River runs underground through the three-mile Lockwood Cave, which features more than 20 entrances. Rose Cave, just over half a mile long, has two underwater and one above-ground entrance. Eastern gray bats, an endangered species, live in Rose Cave.

Virgin Falls State Natural Area

The Virgin Falls State Natural Area covers more than 1,150 acres and features several caves. The area’s namesake, Virgin Falls, connects two caves through which a river flows. En route to the waterfall, hikers also pass Big Laurel and Sheep Caves, as well as sinkholes and gorges. Before planning a spelunking trip to any of these caves on public land, check the Virgin Falls State Natural Area website (tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/virgin/) for updated information about cave closures.